David Beckham has hung up his footballing boots and although he hasn’t said what he’ll be doing next, you can bet your last dollar that he’ll be taking up daddy duties!
Parenting on Female First
He’s not the only one who will be taking on the role of lead carer, 10 per cent of stay at home parents are dads.
For those who are new to the stay at home dad role, Care.com’s nanny expert Rosemary Albone has given us some tips to help you ease in!
1. Be Yourself
Don’t try and copy what other people or your partner do. Trust your instincts and remember that you’re already “Super Dad” in your children’s eyes.
2. Give it Time
Get to know your children on a fulltime basis and understand you’re going through a transition period. It can be quite different to short periods of time at the end of the working day and weekends.
3. Get Online
Blog about your experience and interact with other dads to share tips and advice. You are not the only dad who is looking after kids. Resources such as Care.com can offer extra support when necessary plus tips on bringing up and enjoying looking after your children.
4. Get it Wrong!
Some days things will work well and other times it won’t. Parenting is a learning curve and mostly trial and error. Recognise that this new job comes with its own timeline and agenda… and remember to accept mistakes and not blame the children!
5. Start Each Day Fresh
Children can be exhausting, frustrating and bewildering; learn to love the journey of their childhood with them and make sure you get some time out to recuperate. It’s important you also get a good balance of conversation with adults as well as children and don’t become isolated.
6. Be a Child Yourself
Just because you are the parent doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too! Try and see the world from their perspective – it’ll increase your bond with your children and make you wonder what the world of work was all about!
Are you or your husband at stay at home dad? Let us know your tips by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK
Tagged in Parenting Parenting Advice Parenting Tips Dads